Detachable boat boarding device

ABSTRACT

A boat boarding device, primarily for swimmers, comprising a platform moved vertically by means of a winch, screw, hydraulic cylinders or other means, is disclosed. The device is designed to be easily attached to and removed from the hull or taffrail of a boat. Limit switches control the distance of vertical movement of the platform. The device has application for small motor boats, sailboats and large cruisers.

United States Patent [191 Stone DETACHABLE BOAT BOARDING DEVICE [76] Inventor: Richard L. Stone; 8 N. Koewing PL,

West Orange, NJ. 07052 [22] Filed: Nov. 16, 1973 [21] App]. No.: 416,582

[52] US. Cl 182/91; 182/142 [51] Int. Cl. B63B 39/02 [58] Field of Search 182/141, 142, 195, 92,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1958 Deahl 182/141 5/1962 Fugere 182/90 [111 3,908,794 [451 Sept. 30, 1975 1774.720 11/1973 Hovey 182/195 Primary Eraminer-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Joseph P. Nigon [5 7 ABSTRACT A boat boarding device, primarily for swimmers, comprising a platform moved vertically by means of a winch, screw, hydraulic cylinders or other means, is disclosed. The device is designed to be easily attached to and removed from the bull or taffrail of a boat. Limit switches control the distance of vertical movement of the platform. The device has application for small motor boats, sailboats and large cruisers.

4 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures U.S. Patant Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 10f3 3,908,794

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 2 of3 3,908,794

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 3 of3 3,908,794

DETACI-IABLE BOAT BOARDING DEVICE BACKGROUND or THE INVENTION This invention relates to a vertically movable platform that can be readily attached'to and removed from the hull or taffrail of a boat. The prior art boarding devices generally take the formv ofladders such as are shown in US. Pat. No. 2,669,733 or platforms that are attached to the side of the boat such as one shown in US. Pat. No. 3,587,123.

The conventional ladder structures are difficult to climb and are of limited usefulness. The platforms such as one shown in the US. Pat. No. 3,587,123 are of limited usefulness since they are not vertically adjustable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention contemplates a platform structure that is readily attached to or detached from the hull or taffrail of a boat to assist swimmers in boarding the boat. The platform is centered on a vertical shaft and is movable vertically on the shaft, with limit switches that define the distance of travel below the waterline as well as the maximum distance of travel above the waterline. The normal range of platform travel is from approximately 3 feet below the waterline to approximately one step up to the transom level.

- the side of the boat.

The platform is attached to the vertical shaft with a I hinge that permits the platform to be stored in an upright position against the structure when not in use and is moved vertically by means of a winch. gear arrangement, or hydraulically. Limit switches are incorporated into the device to define the distance the platform travels. These limit switches are contact switches when a winch or gear arrangement is used or pressure relief valves when the platform is moved hydraulically.

The device may also be equipped with a remote control switch that can be activated by the swimmer with safety, as the usual power is a 12 volt electric system.

The structure is mounted on the hull or taffrail of the boat by means of mounting plates that are shimmed to keep the structure level at all times. Any suitable means for attaching the structure to the mounting plate may be used. Large pitch butterfly screws can be used, for example. The mounting structure also includes steadying brackets that are attached to the appropriate outer surface of the boat the proper distance from the mounting plate.

The electrical connections are made by plug-in connector with ground. Alternatively. clips may be used for direct connection to the battery.

The fastening means can also be designed as a structure that fits over the taffrail of the boat and is clamped to the taffrail in the same manner as an outboard motor.

Although we will describe our invention as a portable structure that can be easily attached to or removed from a relatively small boat, there are other applications for the unit such as to get people from a small boat to a larger one. in swimming pools, on docks or even floats.

The structure can be made of any material of construction that will withstand salt water as well as fresh water corrosion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device.

FIG. 4 is a top view ofone embodiment of the device.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the structure of FIG. 4 when a cable is used to move the platform.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the structure with the platform in the extended position.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the device broken away to show an alternative gear means for moving the platform. I

FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing operation of the device when a winch and cable are used to move the platform.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIG. 1 the boat boarding assembly has a platform 10 attached to a vertical shaft (not shown). The means for moving the platform are contained in the structure 14 which is equipped with handles 15 to facilitate installation and removal of the structure from the boat.

FIG. 2 shows a portion of a boat 16 and shows the position of the mounting plates 17 and steadying brackets 18. FIG. 3 shows the use of shims 19 with the mounting plates 17 to assure that the mounting plate is level.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the device as attached to a boat. The device is mounted on the hull 20 by means of lag bolts 21 which attach the device to the mounting plate 17. This view shows the platform 10 in the extended position attached to the vertical shaft 21. The shaft 50 moves in guides 22 and is moved by cable means, such as are shown in FIG. 5, attached at 23.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a portion of the device showing the device mounted to the mounting plate 17 by means of butterfly screws 24. A winch 25 is mounted by brackets 26 and may be rotated manually or by an electric motor. A cable 27 is passed over the drum of the winch and is attached to the vertical shaft at 56 in a manner such that the platform is moved upwardly.

FIGS. 6 and 9 are views of a portion of the device showing the platform 10, the hinge means 11 and the hand grip 27 attached to the vertical shaft for use by the person using the device. The platform 10 is attached to a support means 28 which is attached to the movable vertical shaft within the shroud.

FIG. 6 also shows an optional method of attaching the platform 10. In this embodiment the hinge II is spring loaded to keep the platform 10 in the upright position when not in use.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate drive means for moving platform 10. In this embodiment the motor 29 rotates the gear which in turn rotates the gear 31. The platform 10 is attached to plate 33, which in turn is attached to the upright shaft 32. Rotation of thestructure 32 moves the platform 10. In the structures shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 the distance of movement of the platform 10 is controlled by limit switches (not shown).

What is claimed is:

l. A boat boarding device designed to be detachably connected to said boat consisting of a frame, a shroud attached thereto, a vertical shaft member positioned in LII 2. The boarding device according to claim 1 wherein said winch is powered by an electric motor.

3. The hoarding device according to claim 1 wherein said winch is manually powered.

4. The boarding device according to claim 1 wherein handles are attached to said frame to facilitate attachment to and removal of the device from a boat. 

1. A boat boarding device designed to be detachably connected to said boat consisting of a frame, a shroud attached thereto, a vertical shaft member positioned in a guide in said shroud, a platform hingeably connected to said vertical shaft member, a winch positioned in said frame above said shroud and a cable attached at one end to said vertical shaft member and at the other end to said winch whereby said platform and said vertical shaft member are moved upwardly and downwardly between means for limiting the distance of travel of said platform.
 2. The boarding device according to claim 1 wherein said winch is powered by an electric motor.
 3. The boarding device according to claim 1 wherein said winch is manually powered.
 4. The boarding device according to claim 1 wherein handles are attached to said frame to facilitate attachment to and removal of the device from a boat. 